A sacked hospital consultant has lost his case against his former employers.

The judgment from a tribunal over Martyn Pitman who believed he had been let go due to whistleblowing has been released.

Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Martyn Pitman was dismissed earlier this year from the Royal Hampshire County Hospital (RHCH) in Winchester where he had worked in his role for 20 years.

He appeared before an employment tribunal in Southampton, which took place from September 25 to October 9, having accused the Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT) of firing him for whistleblowing concerns about patient and staff safety.

READ MORE: Winchester doctor Martyn Pitman responds to tribunal judgment

However, the judgment of the tribunal has been released today (Friday, October 27), with Mr Pitman’s complaints being dismissed unanimously.

A HHFT spokesperson said: “We welcome the findings of the employment tribunal and thank the panel, led by Judge Gray, for their diligence in reaching their conclusion.

“Although grateful that the decision has been made in our favour, we would not have wanted to find ourselves at a tribunal. The value we place on all our staff cannot be overstated; they are on the front line of providing outstanding care and clinical excellence to patients.”

The spokesperson said that all whistleblowing complaints are taken seriously - but said his dismissal had nothing to do with the issues he raised. 

They continued: “Mr Pitman raised important and valid concerns, particularly in relation to impacts around staffing levels on our maternity unit. He was right to do this - and he was not alone in doing so. 

"We listen to concerns raised and take action. Today, our maternity units are fully recruited for midwives.

“Our issue was never about the concerns raised by Mr Pitman, but about concerns raised by others of disruptive behaviour and then a breakdown in working relationships. 

"These factors are damaging in any workplace, but in a healthcare setting, which is by its nature an intense and pressurised environment, their destabilising effect is even more serious.”

SEE ALSO: Sacked doctor thanks supporters for help in ‘most challenging chapter of his life’

The case had captured the attention of hundreds of people who set up a Facebook page in support of Mr Pitman. 

After receiving the verdict, Mr Pitman said he was grateful for the support.

Mr Pitman said: "I have dedicated my entire career, particularly my two decades as a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, to the provision of safe, evidence-based and patient-centred care for those individuals whom I have had the privilege and responsibility to look after.

"I also very much valued my position of responsibility in being able to support and represent the views and concerns of my clinical midwifery, nursing and healthcare assistant colleagues.

"My decision to whistle-blow patient and staff safety concerns at the trust has cost me very dearly and I am faced with the brutal reality of losing the career I have cherished.

“I will now begin the difficult process of considering the 75-page judgment with my legal team and the BMA before deciding on appropriate next steps.

"I wish to express my sincere and heartfelt thanks to all those who have been and continue to be supportive throughout this immensely challenging period."